I'm studying to be a voice actor. I want to move to LA eventually. Would $17k be enough savings for the move?

Question

I know I should wait until I'm "demo ready" and until I feel confident that I'm at a competitive level with other VA's in LA. But I could spend my whole life saving money for this move. What's the minimum I should bring with me to LA? I've been saving up money from my job (which I'll be quitting soon to focus more on my VO classes), and I was wondering how much money I should have before I make the big move. Do you think $17,000 is enough? I'm 22, and I know a lot of young people like me who just decide to move to LA to either make it or break it. I'm starting to feel the same urgency! I have really great instincts and I'm like a duck in water when it comes to VO, but I know there's still a lot for me to learn, especially about the business. But I don't want to screw things up for myself. My youth makes me want to grow as fast as I can, and I feel like not living in LA is making me take a million baby steps to grow. Please, I need a pep talk from fellow peers in the industry!

Also, I already own a car. Is LA really THAT expensive? From what you guys say, it sounds like I'll need to save a lot more money. I've looked on Craigslist, and I've found rooms/shares in LA (in the Beverly Hills or West Hollywood area---where I want to live) for around $700 a month. Am I looking at seedy areas where people get mugged or something?

Answer 1

Okay. There is a whole lot to answer here!

First of all, LA is expensive, but there are also a lot more ways to earn money. Catering, bar-tending, etc. Nothing that will come back to bite you later on!

Finding an apartment can be a challenge. West LA and Beverly Hills are pretty expensive, but they are not the ghetto! They are the better neighborhoods on that side of the hill. Rent is less expensive if you move to Burbank, which has Disney, Warner Brothers and a good deal of post production sound studios, which is where you will be working. The rest of the VO sound industry is in the Santa Monica and Culver City areas. I don't recommend moving anywhere on the westside (which would include Beverly Hills, West LA, Culver City and Santa Monica) blindly. Some areas are FABULOUS, some aren't so hot. But if your moving here on a budget, shoot towards the valley. Rent is not as insane on that side.

17K would get you comfortable for about 5 or 6 months if you follow your budgets well. ALWAYS check out a place that you are looking to rent at night before signing the lease. But, Burbank is really safe (as long as it's not on Lake St). Glendale has some crappy areas, but it's also pretty safe and it's the neighbor to Burbank. If you are going to do the valley those are pretty safe bets because they have good back routes to and from Hollywood.

I am a firm believer that you make the road you travel. If you want to come out here to LA then why wait? You have to work hard just like everyone else. And the thing is, if you don't try you will regret not having tried more than you would regret not having "made made." So, find a decent hotel to stay at while you search like mad for a safe apartment in your budget. Get your headshots and demo reels made. Get a flexible job so that you don't dip too much into that money you have set aside and come kick ***!

Make sure you get your reels and headshots out here though. Because the market is more competeive you will get better prices and professional quality.

Yes, even VO talent need headshots. :)

check out http://headshots101.com There is a lot of good info there on what to do on that part. Also, you can check out http://myactingsite.com because you can post your demo reels up there for reference when you start submitting yourself to walla groups and such.

:) I hope this helps and I hope you roll up your sleeves and start paving your road.

Answer 2

As someone who has been in the VO business for many years, this might be helpful.

First. Where do you live? Have you finished college? Living with parents? Have acting skills and other experience as someone who has a brain and education as well as a swell voice?

Why not do some research by getting a friend to come along for a visit to Los Angeles and see for yourself what neighborhoods are like, sit in on a voice over class with someone like Cathy or Harvey Kalmenson? Why not check Back Stage West for information about workshops? What is the nearest big city to you? You know, of course, that there are advertising companies all over the place, even in small towns, who book voices for commercials on radio and television all the time.

The previous answer is a good one about NYC vs LA.. NYC is a huge VO market, then comes Chicago and then LA. But, you're still a kid and you sound smart enough to realize you are still developing emotionally.

If you have not earned a BA or at least an AA degree.. get one. College is a great way to approach maturity. If you pay attention in class and work like a Trojan, you will also learn something.

Acting skills are essential. Knowledge of the business is essential and the only way you get that is by wading in when you have the credentials and the stuff to back them up.

The VO Business is brutal. There are a hundred seasoned performers who can do what you do and do it faster and more creatively. However, if those odds don't bother you, then keep your dream cooking.

So.. recap. check locally. be educated and the rest will fall into place. Can you get a job at a local radio station picking up Coke bottles and find a way on air? Can you name one successful voice actor? Who would be your model?

Seventeen grand invested in education will serve you better than a couple of months out of your element.

Break a lip, kid.

Answer 3

I live in California and have lived in La. 17,000 should be enough but you will need a job here or it won't take you far enough. You can get a decent place and car (if your not bringing one with you) I cannot caution you enough to live within your means! Move in price for a decent place will be between 3 and 5 thousand depending on where you want to live in La! Then find a job as soon as possible La eats up alot of money very quickly. But if you play your cards right you'll do fine good luck!

Answer 4

Well, Justin I see you are a non believer. Some time in the past there used to be a nationally syndicated radio speak host handling existence/economic concerns named "Bruce Williams". He might mainly cite this instance. "There are 2 varieties of individuals on this planet. If you inform each that the range is pink sizzling one institution will say "thanks"and avert the range. The different institution will ought to scent charring flesh earlier than they might believed the range used to be sizzling". You appear to be of the latter institution. If you don't seem to be inclined to concentrate people who LIVE right here, and KNOW what's to befall you, then come on down and discover out to your self. By the way in which, you do have your union card, correct? You WON'T get wherever close a legitimate level with out one. By the way in which, you do recognize that SAG (the union) states that seventy five% in their club earn LESS that $a million,000 a YEAR. Usually from a seven moment shot as an uncredited, again flooring additional.

Answer 5

Saying you have a lot to learn, says it all. You don't arrive at the show to learn. That's why the baby steps. First get work. Find a mentor and grow. You want to do voice acting, then get some work, any work, there. Grow and learn and make connections. Make your bones, fella. I am routinely served lunch by fellows who came to LA to make it big in the movie business.

There's your not so nice, but straight forward tough love. Oh, yeah, and don't give up. If you're going to give up, give up now, and save yourself 17K. Go to LA when they call you.
A long journey begins with a single step...even if it's a baby one.

Answer 6

$17,000 will last a few weeks in Los Angeles. You need at least $80,000, as a cushion, to ease into life in Los Angeles. Apartments are expensive.
Food is expensive. Everything in L.A. is expensive.

It's a very expensive city. L.A. is very difficult.
It's not as easy as NYC.

I went to L.A., when I was 17. It's a great city, but, if you have dreams of being in the entertainment business, NYC is a better choice. LA will eat you like a sandwich and spit you out.

Answer 7

That might rent you a studio apartment for a couple weeks